Polish Nationals Arrested For ‘Waving Russian Flags’ In Kano Released
Seven Polish nationals, who were arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kano on August 5, 2024, for allegedly waving Russian flags during the #EndBadGovernance protest, have been released.
The group, which included six students and their lecturer from the University of Warsaw, was in Nigeria as part of an African studies exchange programme at Bayero University.
Initially, the DSS accused the Polish nationals of playing a “suspicious role” in the protests against government policies and economic hardships. They were also linked to tailors accused of sewing Russian flags for the protesters. However, the situation took a diplomatic turn as Polish officials intervened.
Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Andrzej Szejna, clarified that the individuals detained were academic participants rather than political activists. This clarification was crucial in resolving the situation.
On Wednesday, Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Radosław Sikorski, confirmed the release of the detained nationals in an update on X (formerly Twitter). The post read, “Polish students have been released and are in Kano.
The Minister @sikorskiradek spoke today with the representative of parents Jacek Półrolniczak, and thanked the students’ families for the good cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Thank you to everyone involved in the release of citizens!”
The release of the Polish nationals followed successful diplomatic negotiations and highlighted the efforts of both Polish and Nigerian authorities in resolving the matter.
